Suvarnabhumi Airport Cancels All Flights As Protesters Surge Into Terminal

[OxfordWill]

anyone near the airport who can tell us something? Im 10 minutes down the road but girlfriend wont let me drive up to see if anyone is still there (probably sensibly)

[LaoPo]

PAD allows airport officials to work to clear stranded passengers

Published on November 26, 2008; November 26, 2008 : Last updated 04:35 am

The People's Alliance for Democracy allowed airport officials and other officials concerned to resume working so that passengers stranded at the Suvarnabhumi International Airport could leave the country.

The PAD allowed the airport, immigration and customs officials as well as other officials concerned to work following a negotiation at 3 am.

Suvarnabhumi director Serirat Prasutanon asked the PAD to allow the officials to resume working because thousands of passengers have already checked in for boarding and having arrived from abroad.

- The Nation

LaoPo

[JuniorExPat]

Interesting to see what the Foreign Office have posted:

http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/travelling-and-li...ceania/thailand

Apologies if this is a repeat.

JxP

[LaoPo]

Hurting the country - Editorial -

- Bangkok Post -

The People's Alliance for Democracy's blockade of the Motorway entrance to Suvarnabhumi airport is a wrong and unnecessary move.

This ill-conceived disruption of one of the main roads leading to the country's most important international airport will get the PAD nowhere in its claimed agenda of toppling the government or any nominees of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, or making Thai politics less prone to manipulation by money barons.

In fact, this move will only further erode the rapidly dwindling public support, a hard-earned provision that the protesters badly need especially at this critical juncture of its campaign.

The damage to the PAD, however, cannot compare with that caused to the country. Suvarnabhumi airport is the main gateway to the Kingdom.

The PAD's reason for the road blockage - to prevent Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat from returning home from Peru, where he has been attending the Apec summit - is ludicrous, as news reports say Mr Somchai will not be arriving in Bangkok until this afternoon, and he could very well choose to land elsewhere upon learning of the PAD's action.

In fact, there are reports that authorities have prepared both U-tapao and Chiang Mai airports for the prime minister to land in case of emergency.

So, the PAD's road block only serves to hurt ordinary Thais going about their business and foreigners coming to Thailand on vacation or business.

The PAD's march on the Motorway entrance to the airport yesterday prompted members of its rival groups - the United Front of Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD) and the pro-Thaksin taxi drivers' association - to try a counter-attack.

The resulting melee caused major traffic jams in and around the airport, resulting in extreme inconvenience for people who had to use the airport. This is absolutely not fair treatment for anybody at all.

Beyond the day's immediate chaos, the impact of the PAD's reckless action on the country's tourism industry will be immense and difficult to rectify.

Even before the PAD attempted its boneheaded move to partially block access to the civil airport yesterday, up to 14 countries had already issued advisories warning their citizens to avoid non-essential travel to Thailand, and to exercise caution if they do visit.

Continues here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/topstories/tops...s.php?id=132297

LaoPo

[LaoPo]

Blow to tourism

- Bangkok Post -

By Post Reporters

Wednesday November 26, 2008 04:54

The tourism sector, already reeling from the global economic downturn, suffered a fresh blow as People's Alliance for Democracy anti-government protesters forced Suvarnabhumi airport to suspend outbound flights.

Thousands of travellers faced the prospect of missed flights Tuesday night as protesters blocked the main motorway from the capital to the airport and later stormed the terminal to disrupt operations.

Olarn Chaipravat, the deputy prime minister overseeing economic policy, acknowledged that the PAD protests would undermine the country's image abroad and hurt investor confidence.

"They [PAD] have the right to protest, but they must consider the rights of others. And they should also consider the damage caused to the entire country," he said.

Airline and tourism executives warned that the political tensions would deal another heavy blow to the ailing industry and the country's international image.

PAD rallies in late-August that forced the shutdowns of Krabi, Phuket and Hat Yai airports had already put the country's "Land of Smiles" image in jeopardy.

Arrivals in September plummeted 16.5% from last year, with hotel occupancy rates nosediving to just 46.3% compared with 57.5% in August.

The latest tensions could force many operators into bankruptcy, coming just weeks before the peak of the tourist season over the year-end holidays.

Apichart Sankary, president of the Association of Thai Travel Agents (ATTA), said the PAD protest Tuesday would have a massive impact on the industry.

Continues here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/topstories/tops...s.php?id=132299

LaoPo

Edited November 25, 2008 by LaoPo

[operator]

Unlike BA, Eva Air and Thai Airways have flown out of LHR to Bangkok tonight.

BKK Bangkok BR 68 EVA Air 9:30 PM Take Off 9:48 PM T-3 En Route

747

BKK Bangkok TG 917 Thai Airways International 9:35 PM Take Off 9:25 PM T-3 En Route

On-time 744

Wonder what these passengers will be flying into. Hope it's all cleared up for them when they land.

[sunluvr]

Unlike BA, Eva Air and Thai Airways have flown out of LHR to Bangkok tonight.

BKK Bangkok BR 68 EVA Air 9:30 PM Take Off 9:48 PM T-3 En Route

747

BKK Bangkok TG 917 Thai Airways International 9:35 PM Take Off 9:25 PM T-3 En Route

On-time 744

Wonder what these passengers will be flying into. Hope it's all cleared up for them when they land.

I'm sitting in HK, enroute from Canada, was supposed to be on Cathay flight CX713 leaving to BKK at 910am this morning - they are showing it as delayed until about noon 12:00 pm, but no further word available from Cathay at the moment... so I am anxiously waiting to see if I can get to BKK today....

[LaoPo]

From Spain to Scandinavia, UK, Greece, Belgium (EU in Brussels !) and the rest of Europe, the images of the -aimed- shooting PAD ''guards'' at running people have been aired and the general consensus is one of horror, disgust and disbelief. I'm talking about all major important networks at prime time.

The following images showed very confusing situations at Suvarnabhumi Airport whereby Police forces were withdrawing, forced upon by a large number of PAD ''supporters'' who didn't really look like your friendly neighbour boy. The Police was not able to control the hysteria, crazy noise and shouting PAD supporters since the Police was outnumbered by far.

It was mentioned on many channels that the € 12/US$ 15,6 BILLION Tourist industry will certainly suffer from this 'uproar', on top of the already sinking numbers of International tourists due to the international financial and economical crisis.

On top of all the news, this is aired on YouTube:

PAD gunmen! พธม เตรียมป้ายสี นปช

http://nl.youtube.com/watch?v=SnGxyGvGmWg

..with images from this video, filmed yesterday when the fights took place:

พันธมิตรฯ สุดระยำ ยิงถล่มและไล่ฆ่าคนใส่เสื้อสีแดง พร้อมเผารถมอเตอร์ไซค์

http://nl.youtube.com/watch?v=caQUvzQKeUc The actual shootings start at 0,13 seconds

LaoPo

[LaoPo]

Breakingnews

Three explosions heard at Suvarnabhumi airport

Published on November 26, 2008;

Three explosions were heard outside the outbound passenger terminal of the Suvarnabhumi International Airport at 4:30 am.

The explosion sounds frightened the protesters but their leaders managed to calm them down minutes later.

- The Nation

LaoPo

[LaoPo]

And, if it's not enough:

Breakingnews

One Bomb explodes at Don Muang, injuring one man

Published on November 26, 2008;November 26, 2008 : Last updated 07:05 am

One man was injured when a bomb exploded near a rally site of the People's Alliance for Democracy at the Don Muang Airport at 6:30 am.

The 40-year-old man was rushed to a hospital.

The Nation

**************************************************

..and a few minutes later, the news report:

Breakingnews

2 injured in latest explosion at Don Muang: report

Published on November 26, 2008;November 26, 2008 : Last updated 07:09 am

Channel 3 reported at 7 am Wednesday that another bomb exploded at the rally site of the People's Alliance for Democracy at the Don Muang Airport at 6:45 am, injuring two people.

One of them was injured severely, the TV station reported.

It said an M79 grenade was also launched at the protesters but it did not explode.

- The Nation

LaoPo

[amphur]

Is there anybody out there who can report about the situation inside the terminal building?

People are also stranded after immigration control.

[Jai Dee]

Bomb at Suvarnabhumi Airport

A bomb exploded at the entrance to the passenger terminal of Suvarnabhumi Airport at around 6 am, causing injuries to one PAD protester.

Source: Thailand Outlook - 26 November 2008

[LaoPo]

Breakingnews - The Nation -

Tourists urge to check with airport, police at these phone numbers

Published on November 26, 2008;November 26, 2008 : Last updated 07:33 am

The airport officials urged tourists and relatives to call No 02-132-1888 and call tourist police at 02-643-5522 to find out latest developments at the Suvarnabhumi International Airport.

The Thai Airways International Airport also prepared 18 flights for transporting stranded tourists to Don Muang Airport.

Relatives were also urged to check with the Aeronautical Radio of Thailand to find out flights which are heading to Bangkok will be directed to.

- The Nation

RELATED LINKS:

Suvarnabhumi Arrivals And Departures Online Status, check status online:

http://www.thaivisa.com/bkk-departures.html

http://www.thaivisa.com/bkk-arrivals.html

[Jai Dee]

Police Shoot at 2 PAD Guards at Suvarnabhumi

Reports have come in that at 6 am, the special operations 'Arintaraj' force of the police opened fire onto a group of PAD volunteer guards, injuring two.

The police also shot at a six-wheeled truck that was transporting necessities to the PAD rally at the airport. Shots were seen originating from the Thai Airways International canteen.

Source: Thailand Outlook - 26 November 2008

[kangeroo]

latest from thai airways in australia , airport to open at 12 thai time but then there is the backlog. 2 australian girls i know are at the aiport wanting to go home been waiting now for 24 hours.

[Twin]

I was scheduled to fly from BKK to Phuket this morning at 10:25.

The Thai Airways web site has no information at all about the shutdown.

The ThaiVisa RealTime site has no updates.

http://www.thaivisa.com/bkk-departures.html

Does anyone have any information regarding when the airport may reopen?

Is there anyone at the airport right now who can update the situation?

I agree with the previous poster. The politics of this is important, but there are many people concerned with flight operations as well.

Thanks.

[LaoPo]

I was scheduled to fly from BKK to Phuket this morning at 10:25.

The Thai Airways web site has no information at all about the shutdown.

The ThaiVisa RealTime site has no updates.

http://www.thaivisa.com/bkk-departures.html

Does anyone have any information regarding when the airport may reopen?

Is there anyone at the airport right now who can update the situation?

I agree with the previous poster. The politics of this is important, but there are many people concerned with flight operations as well.

Thanks.

Hi Twin,

did you have a look at this link already ?; it just opened and maybe you can find some info on the rest of the links in there !

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/Suvarnabhumi...-O-t225057.html

LaoPo

[Jai Dee]

Update:

4 bomb attacks rock Bangkok

At least four rounds of bomb attacks rocked Bangkok early Wednesday, injuring at least 12 people.

The number of explosions and injuries was still confusing at press time.

Three explosions were heard outside the outbound passenger terminal of the Suvarnabhumi International Airport at 4:30 am.

The explosion sounds frightened the protesters as police vehicles rushed to the scene. The protesters feared that police would come to violently disperse them. But their leaders managed to calm them down minutes later.

Thai PBS reported that four protesters were injured, two severely in the Suvarnabhumi explosions.

The explosion at the Don Muang Airport, where protesters led by the Peoples Alliance for Democracy were rallying, happened at 6:30 am.

The figure of injured protesters at Don Muang airport was still confusing.

Channel 3 reported that two were injured but Channel 9 reported that five were injured, two severely.

Channel 3 added that a grenade was also launched at the protesters but it did not explode.

And 2 men were injured by bomb shrapnel and one was shot when a group of men hurled two bombs and fired at the 92.75 community radio station for taxi drivers.

Police said the attack happened at 4:30 am.

The station was located inside Vibhavadi Rangsit Soi 3 where dozens of PAD guards attacked taxi drivers Tuesday evening.

A taxi driver, who identified himself as Watcharin, said he and friends were standing at the mouth of the soi and suddenly heard two explosions and the assailants also opened fire at them.

The injured were rushed to the Rajvithi Hospital.

The first explosion occurred on the Dusit Bridget in Bangkok's Dusit district at 2 am Wednesday, police said.

No one was injured in the explosion which caused a small crack at one side of the bridge.

Police found a safety pin of an M26 grenade at the scene.

Police quoted eyewitnesses as saying they saw two men on a motorcycle speeding from the direction of the Government House.

The pillion rider hurled the bomb to the bridge and they sped away.

Source: The Nation - 26 November 2008

[kangeroo]

just talked to 2 people i know that are at the airport ,they cant even buy something to eat and are waiting to come home , just wait and see i told them what else can they do .

[stexel]

This post is for people wondering what the situation at the airport is, not for political argument.

I have a friend who was supposed to fly to LAX this morning. Although I advised against it, they went to the airport to see for their self what the situation was. The following is what I gathered from a short conversation:

One road still open into airport.

Many people outside of the airport wearing the red and yellow.

No one at ticket counters except for a few airlines, such as Japan Air??.

Some flights were still leaving, but China Airlines and the greater majority were not flying at all.

Inside of the airport, it looked normal, but nothing was open as far as food or any store goes.

This was at about 5 or 6AM Thailand Time.

Sorry I have no other details... my friend hasn't quite mastered the English language. I hope this helps. It seems all we can do is wait...

I think many of us would greatly appreciate any other updates all of you might have, as we would like to know when our friends and relatives can leave Thailand.

[george]

Update:

08:38 PAD Protesters affect 73 Suvarnabhumi Airport flights in airport closure.

-- TNA/MCOT 2008-11-26

[englishoak]

EVA AIR

Inquiry results for flight BR0068 departing on 11/26/08.

FLT

NO. Route Scheduled Time Estimated Time Actual Time Status Remark

Departure City Arrival City Departure Arrival Departure Arrival Departure Arrival

BR0068 1 LHR

(0) BKK

(+7) 11/25/08 21:30 11/26/08 15:45 11/25/08 21:30 11/26/08 15:40 11/25/08 21:28 - On Time -

BR0068 2 BKK

(+7) TPE

(+8) 11/26/08 17:20 11/26/08 21:50 11/26/08 17:20 - - - On Time -

BR0068 1 LHR

(0) BKK

(+7) 11/27/08 21:30 11/28/08 15:45 11/27/08 21:30 - - - On Time -

BR0068 2 BKK

(+7) TPE

(+8) 11/28/08 17:20 11/28/08 21:50 11/28/08 17:20 - - - On Time -

BR0068 1 LHR

(0) BKK

(+7) 11/28/08 21:30 11/29/08 16:05 11/28/08 21:30 - - - On Time -

BR0068 2 BKK

(+7) TPE

(+8) 11/29/08 17:20 11/29/08 21:50 11/29/08 17:20 - - - On Time -

BR0068 1 LHR

(0) BKK

(+7) 11/26/08 21:30 11/27/08 15:45 11/26/08 21:30 - - - Cancel -

BR0068 2 BKK

(+7) TPE

(+8) 11/27/08 17:20 11/27/08 21:50 11/27/08 17:20 - - - Cancel -

And I was on that LHR - BKK flight bringing my family to meet the Thai family. Not anymore, as my Mother is 82 it's not certain she'll ever meet Mae Thats happy Xmas in Thailand cancelled then.

Edited November 26, 2008 by englishoak

[george]

This is the airport data info available right now:

BKK Departures: http://www.thaivisa.com/bkk-departures.html

BKK Arrivals: http://www.thaivisa.com/bkk-arrivals.html

Better than nothing...

[bingobongo]

so much for it reopening quickly, explosions at both old and new

Blast rocks Bangkok airport

There has been an explosion at Bangkok's international airport during an occupation by thousands of anti-government protesters.

There are also reports of a grenade attack wounding two protesters among a group picketing Bangkok's old airport, where the prime minister has set up temporary offices.

http://www.radioaustralia.net.au/news/stor....htm?tab=latest

Edited November 26, 2008 by bingobongo

[LoveDaBlues]

My 79 year old mom is scheduled to fly into swampy on Dec. 3 at 10:15pm. She's coming for the baby's 1 year birthday on Dec. 5.

This problem goes deeper than PAD, Thaksin, etc. It's the Thia's willingness to accept corruption with a laugh and

a 'mai pen rai' attitude. My wife and her family have this attitude. They don't understand what this can lead to in the long run.

[george]

Update:

BMTA cancels all bus services to Suvarnabhumi airport

BANGKOK: -- The Bangkok Mass Transit Authority Wednesday cancelled its four routes of bus services to and from the Suvarnabhumi International Airport, an official said.

Manote Kijpermpoon, the official, said Buses No 551, 552, 556 and 559 were all canceled.

He said other private buses passing the airport such as 553, 552 A, 554, 555 and 558 might be rerouted to avoid the airport.

-- The Nation 2008-11-26

[Bjamie]

This is the airport data info available right now:

BKK Departures: http://www.thaivisa.com/bkk-departures.html

BKK Arrivals: http://www.thaivisa.com/bkk-arrivals.html

Better than nothing...

But my family's flight is not on the list! =( their suppose to be here tonight ... not anymore.

[imafaranggetmeoutofhere]

i would call the airline ? ask them but what i have heard from england they have stop all flight right now sorry to say mate

[Jai Dee]

About 3,000 outbound passengers still stranded at Suvarnabhumi

About 3,000 passengers who have checked in for outbound flights at the Suvarnabhumi International Airport were still stranded Wednesday morning, the airport chief said.

Serirat Prasutanon, director of the airport, said the passengers checked in before the besieging.

He said the protests by the PAD prompted the airport to lose about Bt50 million of income daily.

He said about 700 flights used the airport daily, but all were cancelled.

He said all international flights were informed that the airport was closed. It would depend on their own decision where to direct their flights to.

Source: The Nation - 26 November 2008

[Jai Dee]

People’s Alliance for Democracy Announcement 26/2008

on

The Ultimatum for the Prime Minister to Resign Immediately and Without Condition

The People’s Alliance for Democracy has been rallying continuously since May 25, 2008 for 2 main objectives;

1. To prevent the rewriting of the 2007 Constitution by the proxy government of ousted premier Thaksin Shinawatra who are trying to amend the charter to whitewash the crimes committed by Thaksin and his cronies and to destroy the country’s judiciary system. The PAD also strives to prevent the proxy government from abolishing the Privy Council, a move which the PAD considers to be a direct violation of His Majesty the King’s authority.

The current Thai Parliament is also considered to be under Thaksin’s complete control. It has committed various wrongdoings and violated election laws, yet continues to claim it represents the people of Thailand. But in truth, the proxy Parliament is a sale to any highest bidding politician. The Constitution court’s imminent deliberation of a various party dissolution cases against several of the government coalition partners is proof enough of the fact that Thakin’s proxy government is not a truly ‘constitutional’ government of Thailand.

2. To drive out the killer government that has shamelessly acted as a nominee for fugitive Thaksin Shinawatra. The government is clearly behind the ruthless killings of Thai citizens, manipulated state media, supports the destruction of the Thai judiciary system, exploits the country’s national budget, condones lese majeste actions, lacks any ethical standing and therefore is deemed to be an illegitimate government which is not fit to administer the Kingdom.

For the above reasons the People’s Alliance for Democracy has been rallying peacefully and without arms, a right which is sanctioned by the 2007 Constitution Article 63. Article 70 stipulates that a Thai citizen has the responsibilities to protect the 3 pillars of the country; the nation, religion and the King and the nation’s constitutional monarchy.

However, during the course of the rally the lives and safety of supporters of the People’s Alliance for Democracy have been in constant jeopardy. The government is also clearly involved in masterminding various violent attacks against the PAD. It has also turned a blind eye when the PAD was attacked with weapons of war on more than 10 occasions. The ruthless attacks have resulted in countless injuries and 4 deaths. Several attacks were also targeted at the ASTV headquarters in an attempt to prevent that station from broadcasting live the PAD rally. The government has yet to take any responsibility for the underhanded sabotage attempts.

Three Senate committees, tasked with investigating the violence and bloodshed of the October 7th incident, have found that the PM Somchai Wongsawat and his Cabinet ministers are to be held responsible for the injuries and deaths of the protesters. Their findings coincide with that of the National Human Rights Commission. Premier Somchai must take responsibility for the tragedy by resigning immediately and without any condition.

The People’s Alliance for Democracy has called for a final mass rally to stop the traitorous government and proxy Parliament on November 23, 2008 at 2 p.m. The final rally is well into its 50th hour and the supporters of the PAD have been pressuring the traitorous government to step down with peaceful means. Armed with only the plastic hand clappers, the PAD protesters have marched to various key locations including Parliament, Finance ministry, the Metropolitan Police Bureau and the government’s temporary seat at Don Muang Airport. However, to no avail, the proxy government has failed to show any sign of remorse or any intention to step down as demanded by the PAD. In addition, it continues to cling on to power and is determined to amend the charter for the interests of its puppet master and his associates.

The People’s Alliance for Democracy is left with no choice but to step up its peaceful rally by blocking off access to the Suvarnabhumi Airport. This is considered to be an ultimatum for Somchai Wongsawat and the Cabinet to resign immediately and without any condition.

The people’s alliance apologizes for any inconvenience the closure of the Suvarnabhumi Airport may cause to the public and international visitors to the Kingdom of Thailand. But the PAD believes the measure is crucial to bring an end to the traitorous-killer government.

The PAD is calling for the public from all walks of life to join the PAD movement and call for the current administration to resign immediately to protect Thailand from more harm and to restore morals to the Thai society without any further delay.

With deepest respect, People’s Alliance for Democracy Thursday, November 25, 2008

Source: Thailand Outlook - 26 November 2008